Layton’s bus proposal buys city more time

Credit City Manager Robert Layton with finding ways to avoid service cutbacks while addressing Wichita Transit’s $2 million budget shortfall, at least for now. The proposal affects two street projects, diesel fuel purchasing and $300,000 from the city’s reserves – getting through the immediate crisis without serious fiscal or operational harm. Unfortunately, it only buys the City Council more time to consider how to sustain and improve bus service long term, including whether to go to voters with the Transit Advisory Board’s proposed one-tenth-of-a-cent citywide sales tax. – Rhonda Holman